Texting While Working: Not Cool When You Are Responsible for Lives

One summer in high school, I realized that it would make me pretty cool if I became a lifeguard (this was the ’90’s, OK?). So I learned CPR, took the lifeguarding exam, and got a job at a local pool.

I did not become cool. In fact, all I became was painfully aware of how cool other people were — namely, the other lifeguards.

Alas, my attempt at being the popular kid from a 1980’s teen movie didn’t work. But I’ll tell you one thing we all did, whether we were Ferris Bueller or Duckie — watch the pool.

Which brings be to my point — an article in the NY Times tells the story of several people who have drowned while under the lackadaisical supervision of a texting lifeguard, and reports that the phenomenon is becoming more and more common:

Clemente Rivera, of Rockaway Beach, Queens, who has been a lifeguard and waterfront supervisor in the New York City area since 1989, said that he often sees guards using their phones. “It’s just rampant,” he said.

So this is a little terrifying, yes? What was once a favorite childhood summer past time is entering into the ranks of “things being ruined by technology.” First it was driving, and now this. I’m sure that the whole thing is a question of psychology — something about not being able to grasp that your actions might cause someone else significant physical injury — but surely something can be done about this…like, preventing lifeguards from having cell phones by the pool?

I mean, who do you have to talk to, anyway? Why aren’t you busy flirting with the other lifeguards who are right in front of you?